I first started going to CAP about eight years ago. I'd just become homeless and was living on the street. I wasn't eating properly and I was in a right mess.
Then a friend told me about CAP and that I could get something to eat there. So I went along not expecting much maybe a bit of something to eat. But it turned out to be much more.
The people that work at CAP were friendly and made me feel so welcome and I felt safe in the building. The meal I received from Paula was hearty and was enough to keep me going all day. I had nothing when I first came but I could shower and get clean clothes. There is a place where we can sit and it keeps me off the streets.
I know don't do drugs or drink anymore. I am now living a normal life as near as what I can because of my unemployment.
The place where I live costs me £168 a week which doesn't leave me in a position where I can afford to work because the loss of benefits mean I could not afford to live there. I am now learning life skills, how to clean, washing and ironing - things that I wasn't used to. I now realise that living a normal life is better than the high of taking drugs.
When I come into CAP and see some of the people I now realise there is more to life and I know a better way than some of those that come. I now look back that was how I used to live but I am not passing judgement on them.
I am now clean and changed. Since I have changed my outlook on life I have found that things are working out much better for me. At this present moment in time the place I find myself in is the best I have been for the last 8 years.
Craig
Craig is now a daily volunteer in the charity working alongside the other volunteers to help those in need.